Learning that you have skin cancer can be difficult news. When the cancer is in a cosmetically sensitive area on your face, preserving normal tissue and restoring a natural appearance is imperative. This can be done with standard excision or Mohs resection. Closure is then performed by Dr. Seeley who is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
The size and location of the defect will dictate the recommended closure and repair. The general principle of closure is to borrow extra, unnecessary tissue from other similar or nearby locations. All layers of the defect and all tissue types that are removed must be replaced. Skin grafts and cartilage grafts harvested from other regions of the head and neck or body are often necessary. For defects of the nose, multiple surgeries may be necessary to provide optimal results. Generally, the closure can be done under local anesthesia or conscious sedation.
Repair of facial cancer defects that have been created using the Mohs technique often utilizes healthy adjacent skin flaps or skin grafts. Large facial cancers occasionally need to be repaired using free tissue transfer, i.e. skin, muscle, and/or bone from a different part of the body brought to fill the facial defect. Dr. Seeley is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs a wide variety of Mohs procedures. His skills in repairing a facial defect are second to none.
The goal of skin cancer reconstruction is to restore a natural appearance to the face after the removal of skin cancer. This approach prioritizes aesthetic outcomes alongside cancer treatment. While immediate results may be obscured by swelling and bruising, the outcomes typically show within a few months as the healing process completes. Dr. Seeley's surgical technique and expertise ensure that the repaired defects blend seamlessly with the surrounding facial features, offering patients a return to confidence in their appearance.
Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer, especially on the face, designed to remove all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Skin cancer reconstruction follows Mohs surgery to repair the area where the cancer was removed, focusing on restoring a natural appearance and function to the affected area.
While the skin does not "grow back" in the same sense as regeneration, Mohs surgery repair techniques, especially on the nose, are designed to restore the area with grafting and reconstructive procedures. These methods can effectively reconstruct the nose's appearance and functionality by using surrounding tissue or grafts from other parts of the body. Complete healing and the final result may take several months, depending on the surgery's complexity and the patient's healing process.
The recovery period can vary significantly based on the extent of the reconstruction and the individual's health. Generally, patients may return to light daily activities within a week, with more significant recovery milestones occurring over the following weeks to months. Dr. Seeley will provide specific guidelines for care during recovery, and it's crucial to follow these instructions for the best outcomes.
After Mohs surgery repair, it's important to follow any skin care and protection recommendations provided by your surgeon, including regular use of sunscreen and protective clothing when exposed to the sun. Regular follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor healing and address any changes over time. Additionally, patients should be vigilant about skin health and report any new concerns.
While Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for treating skin cancers on the face due to its precision and tissue-sparing approach, it can also be performed on other body parts. The principles of skin cancer reconstruction following Mohs surgery apply broadly, aiming to restore appearance and function while carefully considering the specific needs of the surgery site.
